Aidan F.
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The Inca Quipu(pronounced Khi-pu) was a tool used for communication and numerical use such as, counting debt, counting livestock, and counting prison sentences. The Quipu is made up of different colored strings and chords and a wood base. This was needed because the Incas did not have a written language at the time. Most of the Andean region used the Quipus to their advantage. The Quipu was made all the way back in 1450 A.D where the Inca empire was also founded. Quipus could be simple or complicated depending on how important they are. The more complex the Quipu is the more important information it has on it.
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This is one example of the Inca Quipu. Not all Quipus look exactly like this due to the different amount of strings or colors, but they are all usually tied to the main cord(The horizontal line at the top) and have the other cords hanging from it vertically.
The Quipus was made using animal fibers such as alpaca wool and llama wool. The Quipu was made expertly by Quipu makers called the Quipucamayocs. The Quipucamayocs were creators of the Quipu who were skilled and trusted crafters at the time. The process of creating a Quipu can be difficult or complicated hence the amount of strings and chords and colors. The more small and simple the Quipu is, the less time it will take for the Quipucamayocs to create it. The bigger and more complex Quipus, the longer it will take for the Quipucamayocs.
The Quipu changed the way we communicate and inspired the way we communicate today. it changed numerics and economics which led the economy to strive and become one of the best civilizations in the Andean region. While the other civilizations used the Quipu as well, the Incas thrived on it the most because of their extensive and wise knowledge on the Quipus. The Quipus created an actual form of communication for the Incas and made it easier since they used the cords and colors. It shaped the future for inventions and inspired others to create things like the Quipu or even better which led to a big revolution in technology even though the Inca civilization and most Andean civilizations were captured by Spain in 1534 A.D